Fuego Volcano Eruption

GS I-Geography

Context:

The Fuego volcano in Guatemala recently erupted, prompting emergency response measures, as reported by The Guardian (TG).

About Fuego Volcano

• Name & Location: Also known as Volcán de Fuego (Spanish for “Volcano of Fire”), it is situated near Antigua, Guatemala.
• Volcanic Activity: One of Central America’s most active volcanoes, forming part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• Eruption History: Known for violent eruptions since the 16th century. A major eruption in 2018 resulted in 194 deaths, with 234 people reported missing.
• Eruptive Characteristics: Exhibits explosive activity, lava flows, and pyroclastic flows, posing severe risks to surrounding areas.

Understanding Stratovolcanoes

• Structure: Tall, steep, cone-shaped volcanoes formed by alternating layers of lava and pyroclastic material.
• Formation: Typically found in subduction zones, particularly within the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• Composition: Consist of andesite and dacite lavas, which are rich in silica, cooler, and highly viscous.
• Eruption Style: Traps gas pressure, leading to highly explosive eruptions that eject pyroclasts and volcanic bombs.
• Lava Flow: Slow-moving and thick lava that cools rapidly, contributing to steep cone-shaped formations.
• Global Distribution: Around 60% of the world’s volcanoes are stratovolcanoes, including Mount Pelée and Fuego.

Major Hazards of Stratovolcanic Eruptions

• Lahars: Rapid-moving mudflows of volcanic debris that can engulf villages.
• Pyroclastic Flows: Extremely hot clouds of ash, gas, and rock fragments that can devastate surrounding settlements.
• Air Travel Disruptions: Ash plumes rising up to 7,000 meters can impact air traffic and force flight cancellations.